Desk mounted exercise device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device attachable to a desk or table for use during, for example, office work. The exercise device includes a handle, an elastic cord, a cord clasp and a generally C-shaped support member which is mounted to the desk with a clamp. The length of the elastic cord is adjusted to determine the desired resistance level and to fit the length of the desk. The clamp allows the exercise device to be tightly fastened to desks of different thicknesses. The exercise device allows the user to perform a number of exercises including arm, shoulder, back, chest and wrist exercises.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims benefit of domestic priority under 35U.S.C. §120 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/194,135filed Sep. 25, 2008 and titled “Desk mounting exercise device”, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to exercise devices. More particularly,the present invention relates to an exercise device which is mounted toa desk and employs elastic resistance.

2. Description of Background

Being healthy has become a central part of many peoples' lifestyles,however whether for the lack of time, energy or interest many do notexercise on a regular basis. An increasing number of people sit by theirdesks for multiple hours throughout their work day. This long period oftime in which one's body is practically inactive is an optimalopportunity to perform exercise activities. Exercising lightly whilesimultaneously typing, reading or talking on the phone is an efficientway to burn calories, decrease fatigue, flex muscles and relieve stress.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes an exercise device which can be usedduring work hours in a manner that does not intrude with one's dailytasks.

Thus, one example of the invention is an exercise device. The exercisedevice includes a handle, an elastic cord, a cord clasp, and a deskclamp. The elastic cord has one end fixed to the handle. The cord claspis configured to releasably secure the elastic cord. The desk clamp iscoupled to the cord clasp for fixedly holding the exercise device to adesk or table.

In one embodiment, the elastic cord is configured to provide mechanicalresistance when stretched. The desk clamp may include a threaded bolthaving a proximate end and a distal end. A knob can be fixed to theproximate end of the threaded bolt, and a flange can be coupled to thedistal end of the threaded bolt. The flange is configured to pressagainst an underside of the desk or table when the desk clamp is engagedto the desk or table.

The exercise device may include a support member having a substantiallyC-shaped cross section. The support member couples the cord clasp to thedesk clamp. The exercise device may include a threaded aperture definedby a bottom section of the support member. A threaded bolt may beconfigured to engage the threaded aperture. The threaded bolt mayinclude a proximate end and a distal end. A knob may be fixed to theproximate end of the threaded bolt. A flange may be coupled to thedistal end of the bolt. The flange may be configured to press against anunderside of the desk or table when the desk clamp is engaged to thedesk or table.

The exercise device may include an arm pivotally secured to the supportmember. The elastic cord may be configured to pass between the arm andthe support member. In one embodiment, a top section of the supportmember forms a cradle configured to store at least a portion of thehandle. The exercise device may include a clip for securing a looseportion of the elastic cord.

Another example of the invention is a method for operating a portableexercise device. The method may include a securing step for securing asupport member of the exercise device to a desk or table. A fixing stepfixes an elastic cord to the support member. The method further includesrepeatedly stretching and releasing the elastic cord such that anaerobicexercise is performed.

The method may further include providing a handle to assist instretching and releasing the elastic cord. Securing the support membermay include threading a bolt through an aperture defined by the supportmember such that a flange coupled to a distal end of the bolt is pressedagainst an underside of the desk surface or table. Fixing the elasticcord to the support member may include adjusting a length of the elasticcord such that a chosen amount of mechanical resistance is achieved whenthe elastic cord is stretched. The method may further include securing aloose portion of the elastic cord to the support member.

Yet a further example of the invention is an exercise device including ahandle, a cord, a desk clamp, and resistance means providing mechanicalresistance when the cord is pulled at the handle. The desk clamp coupledto the resistance means and fixedly holds the exercise device to a deskor table. The exercise device may include a support member having asubstantially C-shaped cross section. The support member couples theresistance means to the desk clamp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, andadvantages of the invention are apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of the exercise device contemplatedby the present invention in the process of being engaged to a desk ortable.

FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment of the exercise device contemplatedby the present invention in the process of adjusting the length of theelastic cord.

FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment of the exercise device contemplatedby the present invention in the process of placing the handle in thecradle.

FIG. 4 shows an example embodiment of the exercise device contemplatedby the present invention in the process of being used for the purpose ofexercising the biceps.

FIG. 5 shows an example embodiment of the exercise device contemplatedby the present invention in the process of being used for the purpose ofexercising the shoulder.

FIG. 6 shows an example embodiment of the exercise device contemplatedby the present invention in the process of being used for the purpose ofexercising the back.

FIG. 7 shows an example embodiment of the exercise device contemplatedby the present invention in the process of being used for the purpose ofexercising the forearm.

FIG. 8 shows an example embodiment of the exercise device contemplatedby the present invention in the process of being used for the purpose ofexercising the chest.

FIG. 9 shows an example embodiment of the exercise device contemplatedby the present invention in the process of being used for the purpose ofexercising the wrist.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for operating aportable exercise device in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described with reference to embodiments of theinvention. Throughout the description of the invention reference is madeto FIGS. 1-10.

The present invention includes an exercise device which is mounted to adesk and allows one to exercise muscles such as the biceps, forearms,shoulders, chest, back and wrists. The device includes a handle, anelastic cord, a cord clasp, a rigid c-shaped support member, and aclamp. The handle is connected to one end of the elastic cord andprovides a steady tension when pulled outwardly from the support member.The clamp allows the exercise device to be tightly fastened to desks ofdifferent thicknesses. In addition the exercise device is mobile and canbe easily mounted and dismounted from one desk or another. Varyingresistance levels may be achieved by adjusting the length of the elasticcord. Moreover, the adjustment mechanism allows the exercise device towork on desks of different lengths.

When not in use, the handle may be neatly placed in a cradle and theloose elastic cord can be folded into a clip, thus maintaining a tidywork environment.

One embodiment of an exercise device 2 contemplated by the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The exercise device 2 includes ahandle 4 and cradle 36. The handle 4 is placed in the cradle 36 and isconnected to one end of an elastic cord 6. The handle 4 is ergonomicallydesigned for user comfort and can be made of a durable plastic materialsuch as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

The elastic cord 6, which can be made of an elastic material such asrubber, runs through a length-adjusting cord clasp 8 which can beconfigured to releasably secure the elastic cord 6 by lifting andclosing an arm 28. The elastic cord 6 may include a clip to allow one todetach it from the handle 4 and replace it if it tears. The cord clasp 8is pivotally secured to a support member 26. The loose portion of theelastic cord 6 can be fastened to the support member 26 with a C-shapedclip 38.

The support member 26 is a rigid frame and is comprised of a bottomsection of support member 32, a threaded aperture 30 and a top sectionof support member 34. In a particular configuration of the exercisedevice 2, the support member has a substantially C-shaped cross section.

The desk clamp 10 is comprised of a threaded bolt 14 which runs throughthe threaded aperture 30. The support member 26 and the threaded bolt 14are preferably made of a metal material; however they may consist ofother rigid materials such as ABS plastic. A proximate end of thethreaded bolt 16 is fixed to a knob 20 while a distal end the threadedbolt 18 is coupled to a flange 22. The knob 20 can be turned counterclock-wise to a point in which the flange 22 is pressing tightly againstthe underside of desk or table 24.

The exercise device 2 is mounted on the desk or table 12 by placing theedge of the desk or table 12 between the top section of the supportmember 34 and the bottom section of the support member 32. Once the edgeof the desk or table 12 is pressing against the support member 26, theknob 20 may be turned so that the threaded bolt 14 is screwed throughthe threaded aperture 30 and the flange 22 is pressing tightly againstthe underside of desk or table 24.

Turning to FIG. 2, once the exercise device 2 is tightly mounted to thedesk or table 12, the clip 38 may be opened to release the loose portionof the elastic cord 6. In order to remove the handle 4 from the cradle36, the arm 28 is lifted so that the cord clasp 8 releases the elasticcord 6. The length of the elastic cord 6 between the handle 4 and thecord clasp 8 will depend on the length of the desk or table 12 and willdetermine the level of pull resistance.

Turning to FIG. 3, once the exercise activity has been completed thehandle 4 may be placed in a cradle 36 while the loose section of theelastic cord 6 folds over the cord clasp 8. The next time the handle 4is pulled out of the cradle 36 no addition adjustments are necessary.

FIGS. 4-9 show exemplary exercises a user may engage in when using theexercise device 2.

In FIG. 4 a user may grasp the handle 4 with the back of the hand facingdownwards. The user places the elbow on the desk or table 12 and pullsthe handle 4 upward and towards the body without moving the elbow. Bycontinuously pulling and releasing the handle 4 in such a manner theuser may exercise the biceps.

In FIG. 5 a user may grasp the handle 4 with the back of the hand facingupwards. The user lifts the elbow from the desk and pulls the handle 4upwards and away from the desk. By continuously pulling and releasingthe handle 4 in such a manner the user may exercise the shouldermuscles.

In FIG. 6 a user may grasp the handle 4 with the back of the handperpendicular to the desk. The user lifts the elbow from the desk andpulls the handle 4 horizontally towards the body. By continuouslypulling and releasing the handle 4 in such a manner the user mayexercise the back muscles.

In FIG. 7 a user may grasp handle 4 with the back of the hand facingupwards. The user places the elbow on the desk or table 12 and pulls thehandle 4 upwards towards the body without moving the elbow. Bycontinuously pulling and releasing the handle 4 in such a manner theuser may exercise the forearms.

In FIG. 8 a user may grasp the handle 4 with the back of the hand facingdownwards. The user pulls the handle 4 diagonally towards the shoulderof the arm that is not grasping the handle. By continuously pulling andreleasing the handle 4 in such a manner the user may exercise the chestmuscles.

In FIG. 9 a user may grasp the handle 4 with the back of the hand facingdownwards. The user pulls the handle 4 by bending the wrist whileholding the rest of the arm steady. By continuously pulling andreleasing the handle 4 in such a manner the user may exercise the wristmuscles.

An example method for operating a portable exercise device contemplatedby the present invention is shown in FIG. 10.

The method includes a securing step 102 for securing a support member ofthe exercise device to a desk or table. This step may include threadinga bolt through an aperture defined by the support member such that aflange coupled to a distal end of the bolt is pressed against anunderside of the desk surface or table.

A fixing step 104 fixes an elastic cord to the support member. This stepmay further comprise adjusting a length of the elastic cord such that achosen amount of mechanical resistance is achieved when the elastic cordis stretched.

At securing step 106, any loose portion of the elastic cord is securedto the support member. As mentioned above, a clamp may be used tofixedly hold the exercise device to the desk or table.

At exercising step 108, the elastic cord is repeatedly stretched andreleased such that anaerobic exercise is performed. A handle may beprovided to assist in stretching and releasing the elastic cord.

While the preferred embodiments to the invention has been described, itwill be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in thefuture, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall withinthe scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construedto maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.

1. An exercise device comprising: a handle; an elastic cord having oneend fixed to the handle; a cord clasp configured to releasably securethe elastic cord; and a desk clamp coupled to the cord clasp for fixedlyholding the exercise device to a desk or table.
 2. The exercise deviceof claim 1, wherein the elastic cord is configured to provide mechanicalresistance when stretched.
 3. The exercise device of claim 1, whereinthe desk clamp comprises: a threaded bolt having a proximate end and adistal end; a knob fixed to the proximate end of the threaded bolt; anda flange coupled to the distal end of the threaded bolt and configuredto press against an underside of the desk or table when the desk clampis engaged to the desk or table.
 4. The exercise device of claim 1,further comprising a support member having a substantially C-shapedcross section, the support member coupling the cord clasp to the deskclamp.
 5. The exercise device of claim 4, further comprising: a threadedaperture defined by a bottom section of the support member; a threadedbolt configured to engage the threaded aperture, the threaded bolthaving proximate end and a distal end; a knob fixed to the proximate endof the threaded bolt; and a flange coupled to the distal end of the boltand configured to press against an underside of the desk or table whenthe desk clamp is engaged to the desk or table.
 6. The exercise deviceof claim 4, wherein the cord clasp includes an arm pivotally secured tothe support member, the elastic cord configured to pass between the armand the support member.
 7. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein a topsection of the support member forms a cradle configured to store atleast a portion of the handle.
 8. The exercise device of claim 1,further comprising a clip for securing a loose portion of the elasticcord.
 9. A method for operating a portable exercise device comprising:securing a support member of the exercise device to a desk or table;fixing an elastic cord to the support member; and repeatedly stretchingand releasing the elastic cord such that anaerobic exercise isperformed.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising providing ahandle to assist in stretching and releasing the elastic cord.
 11. Themethod of claim 9, wherein securing the support member includesthreading a bolt through an aperture defined by the support member suchthat a flange coupled to a distal end of the bolt is pressed against anunderside of the desk surface or table.
 12. The method of claim 9,wherein fixing the elastic cord to the support member includes adjustinga length of the elastic cord such that a chosen amount of mechanicalresistance is achieved when the elastic cord is stretched.
 13. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising securing a loose portion of theelastic cord to the support member.
 14. An exercise device comprising: ahandle; a cord having one end fixed to the handle; resistance meansproviding mechanical resistance when the cord is pulled at the handle;and a desk clamp coupled to the resistance means for fixedly holding theexercise device to a desk or table.
 15. The exercise device of claim 14,wherein the desk clamp comprises: a threaded bolt having a proximate endand a distal end; a knob fixed to the proximate end of the threadedbolt; and a flange coupled to the distal end of the bolt and configuredto press against an underside of the desk or table when the desk clampis engaged to the desk or table.
 16. The exercise device of claim 14,further comprising a support member having a substantially C-shapedcross section, the support member coupling the resistance means to thedesk clamp.
 17. The exercise device of claim 16, further comprising: athreaded aperture defined by a bottom section of the support member; athreaded bolt configured to engage the threaded aperture, the threadedbolt having proximate end and a distal end; a knob fixed to theproximate end of the threaded bolt; and a flange coupled to the distalend of the bolt and configured to press against an underside of the deskor table when the desk clamp is engaged to the desk or table.
 19. Theexercise device of claim 14, wherein a top section of the support memberforms a cradle configured to store at least a portion of the handle. 20.The exercise device of claim 14, further comprising a clip for securinga loose portion of the cord.